SURROUNDED by the "wildlife-rich" Caledonian Pineforest, Scotland's stunning Loch Garten is said to be "like no other".
The loch is part of the Abernethy National Nature Reserve in the Cairngorms and is looked after by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB).
Flanked on either side by "gnarled, lichen-encrusted Scots pine trees," the loch is said to come to life in the spring and summer months when visitors can spot osprey, crested tits, red squirrels, bank voles, and great spotted woodpeckers.
Why Scotland's 'wildlife-rich' Loch Garten is a fantastic place to visit over the autumn
However, it could be argued that the fun really begins over the autumn and winter, according to the RSPB's Visitor Operations Manager for Abernethy National Nature Reserve, Jess Tomes.
With birds like the osprey having left the Scottish nature reserve, other, equally wonderful, feathered friends become more visible, including the crested tit.
Crested tits, which are present year-round, are jokingly said to inhabit the nature reserve in their "gazillions" and are a personal favourite for Jess.
She said they "give you a real kick" thanks to their "charismatic" personality and "punky" feather crest.
According to the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO), Crested tits can only be found in Northern Scotland, and have been described as a real "speciality" for the Caledonian Pine Forest by Jess.
Other birds become more common over the winter, including goshawks, tailed eagles and golden eagles, but it "couldn't be guaranteed you'd see" these due to their elusiveness.
Jess said that the loch itself is a real "goose roost" with the arrival of wild greylag and pink-footed geese, making for an exhilarating display in the autumn and winter.
Beyond simply bird watching, the loch and surrounding area are great places to disconnect from the stresses of the modern world, while taking in the beautiful scenery Scotland has to offer.
Those wishing to come to the nature reserve and loch over October will still be able to do so, with the last entry each day being 4.30pm.
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Year-round visitors have praised their time at the nature reserve on Tripadvisor, with one person writing: "We enjoyed the walking paths and the views over Loch Garten, which provided lots of photo opportunities.
"The highlight of our visit was spotting a crested tit."
Another said: "Loved watching the Crested Tits. Hand feeding Coal Tits and Great tits.
"Nice walks around the Loch with accessible paths."
